Historical information

Part of a collection of historic wallpapers collected by Phyllis Murphy, most of whose wallpapers were donated to the collection of Historic Houses Sydney. This wallpaper sample, annotated and encased in mylar was used by Phyllis for educational purposes, and donated by her son to Villa Alba Museum's collection in 2025.

Physical description

A wallpaper frieze from the 1870s that exemplifies the Aesthetic Movement's design principles. The design is possibly based on one by Walter Crane around 1875. It features soft colours and flat, formalised botanical motifs, including butterflies and flowers. Friezes like this were common decorative elements in the later Victorian period.

Inscriptions & markings

P. F72 (f)